Ridgewaye U19 Girls 3; Parkwood U18 0
Ridgewaye girls travelled to Bexley for the first League game of the year missing both the goalkeeper and two forwards!
With the high winds disrupting the normal flow of play, Ridgewaye opened the score with a superb shot from the right wing by Louisa Durnell after 7 minutes. With the wind continuing to prove a problem, numerous shots went wide, leaving the score at 1-0 at the half way point. The second half saw Ridgewaye continue to exert pressure which culminated in a second goal on the 55th minute with a skilful individual effort by Victoria Ryan shooting past the keeper at close range. Another brilliant individual effort from Megan Akehurst on the 75th minute took the score to three-nil.
Determined effort by all team players, who were disrupted from the usual flow, by the swapping of keepers and high winds, led to an solid victory and a continued clean sheet the season. Player of the Match; Poppy Gilden. Next week sees Ridgewaye Entertaining League and cup contenders Meridian Girls.
Well done to All !
REPORT FOR THE SEASON 2011-12 ...7th November 2011
You have all played extremely well this season thus far and the crowning performance was on Sunday v Swale in the League Cup which saw a 10 nil victory achieved, not through brute force or error strewn game activity wehere the big boot came before the culture, but by fantastic passing football that was both controlled and consistent through the
team. It was very noticeable that players were thinking before
trying to offload the ball too early and lose possession. This you have done before but believe me a psycholoigical hurdle was overcome on Sunday as it was much more real and consistent............
Controlling the ball and being balanced - using all the skills with both feet that you have learned over the years - prior to the pass or shot is vital for us to move onto the next phase of your development.
That is the ability and opportunity to spin round the opposition, pass and move very quickly and at angles in order to receive the ball back until we are nearer to goal. Plenty of evidence of that and long may it last - this is the way this game should be played and you were just excellent throughout the team on Sunday. WELL DONE...................................... But poor old Sam - spare a thought for our keeper who is concentrating whilst she watches all the lovely stuff happening before her eyes - methinks more chances on the pitch so reserve goalies - start queuing up !! Only where we are able to afford the chance to Sam of course.
Six games, six wins - plenty of goals, plenty of scorers, superb defence, growing numbers of utility players, all the players able to switch positions with relative ease, attackers trying very hard to win the ball in the crucial areas - you totally deserve any accolades that come your way as I for one am very impressed by your overall strength and talent,; just keep going girls and use the training time on the 3G to good effect..
We have some very hard games coming up - all games are banana skins waiting to happen and we must be ready - so pass - move - crisp pass - move - flick pass - move - flickover pass - move ( you get the idea) and keep the ball on the floor where possible to give yourselves the very best chance of being even better footballers than you already are.
Use all the ball skills that are now second nature after years of emphasis, think individually in this regard but towards the team ethic
and flow. Keep focused, believe in your ability to control the ball
firstly and using it effectively and ideally with artistry although simple is good too - and you will be unstoppable when in full flow............
See you next time out - superb.......................
Ian Wright
A home match saw the girls facing Thanet Colts. Thanet showed great determination in the first half with the defence constantly being under pressure. Pressure from Thanet forced a hand ball in the box and the powerful and accurate penalty shot was brilliantly saved by Sam!
A revival in attack and a restoration in the usual Ridgewaye game play culminated in a terrific goal from Rebecca before half time!
The second half saw the Ridgewaye defence taking control once again, the team settled and found their normal form which resulted in two further goals, another from Rebecca and one from Rachel.
Some terrific crosses, long passes and real determination from all, established control of the match, showing dominance in mid-field and attack.
All-in-all a great game which left the team with a clean sheet so far this season!
Well done to all, have a great half – term!
There is, on the surface of it, one more year to go for most of you before new horizons open up - I know for one that you should look back on your achievements over the 7/8 years that you have been together with absolute pride and satisfaction. In these days of Centres for girls football, the only thing that would separate you from these candidates is your own decision to focus on this structure - it is testament to your camaradery as a squad that you have stayed together to enjoy football in unity as a Club side. The future for all of you is bright and with the advent of the Womens Super League and burgeoning professionalism, see where the future takes you - the choice is yours !!!!
The blue riband and inaugural under 18 County Cup Final took place on the 15th May at the Cobdown Sports Centre in Ditton. Before any other thoughts, congratulations and thanks must be given to the KGLFL Committee for all their dedication and organisation which has ensured the quality and enjoyment of the day.
Meridian were the opponents and that is always tough - many a battle has been waged in Club and Tournament football with this side and we were under no illusions. On the day, a fantastic defensive performance highlighted an ultimately very successful day. Both main Ridgewaye Club awards were given to two flank defenders - as you know I only ever use three defenders - and on the basis of the quality on this day, no wonder. But of course, the whole team deservedly won through in unity yet again, with Beth Jacquin (2) , Rebecca Janes and Megan
Akehurst scoring four without reply. An undoubtedly professional and controlled effort which was mirrored by the success of the League campaign, winning 7, drawing 2 and losing comprehensively by 1 game when the League had been decided. A tournament victory at Long Lane came between the two, so once again many thanks and desrved success to you all.
Next season, with new signings and old friends returning, the future is bright - the future is orange ( and apples, strawberries and pears !! )
The squad ( for League, Cup and Friendlies) were : - Poppy Gilden, Sam Wright, Beth Jacquin, Robyn Bennett, Rebecca Janes, Rebecca Hafford, Chantelle Mackie, Lottie Pollendine, Louisa Durnell, Helen Turley, Megan Akehurst, Rachel Banks, Amy Ayles, Hannah Pring, Victoria Ryan, and Kirsty, Holly, Paige and Annabel - all stars with black and white stripes - Long may it continue !!
Many thanks to all the parents/guardians for the support and material contributions.................... which includes nicking all the milk lol ....
Tournaments on 5th June, 11/12the June, 25th June - watch this space...
